The Moonlight Assassin

The Action Plan

Pastor Kevin heard everything that Miguel had said about himself. He now understood that the man he just prayed for earlier was an actual spirit of a manananggal hiding inside his innocent body and conscience. He thought there must be a way for the spirit to go away, or at least become on the good side before everything goes worse for Miguel.

"Miguel, you need to stay strong for the things to come," said Pastor Kevin, holding Miguel's hand, "I don't know how will this go or what will happen to you or to us, but allow our God the Father, through His Son, Jesus, to guide us to suppress the evil spirit who is inside of you. You need to trust in Him, and to trust in us."

Elijah then said, "My dear Miguel, you are not alone. I am here, my wife is here, and your girlfriend, our daughter, is here for you. We will work on this together."

Then immediately, Elijah thought of something.

"Have I announced to you that we will go on vacation before Tabby leaves Del Fierro? Instead of our planned destination, why not our family will visit your barrio? You know, the place you told my daughter about?", he said.

Miguel immediately smiled. "That'll be great, 'Tay, I mean, Sir!"

"That's okay, 'Nak. From now own, you are part of this church family. Every Sunday, us and Pastor Kevin will support you every step of the way to battle the evil within you," said Elijah, "And by the way, it's alright you can call me Tatay."

"Thank you, Tatay Eli!", exclaimed Miguel, "I am very happy and blessed to be here." He hugged Eli in excitement.

Elijah asked, "Are there places to stay in your town, Miguel?"

"Yes, there are lodging houses in our town. I heard one of the homes also has a swimming pool," said Miguel.

Dr. Earl exclaimed, "Amazing, man! Why not join us for a swim?"

"Is there someplace we can have a salu-salo together?", asked Tommy.

"Yeah, my childhood friend who lives there is a chef at a local restaurant. He can be there to serve us," answered Miguel.

"And... what's your plan with Tabby, man?", asked Vincent, "Aren't you planning to settle down with her soon?"

"Not yet, bro!" exclaimed Miguel, "but..." 

Miguel became silent. His eyes became worrisome again. Flashbacks of his times together with Tabitha went through his head.

"Is there something wrong I said?", Vincent told Miguel. "Nothing, it's not your fault," said Miguel, "But, did she know about what happened to me and who I really am?"

Elijah bravely told Miguel, "Yes, son. Lately, she told me everything about your past: the footage, your transformations, the people killed by the monster, everything. We are deeply concerned about you because I don't want you to hurt my daughter if you decide to marry her. That is why our visit to Sitio San Roque will be our quest for answers, on who you really are, and who were you meant to be."

Pastor Kevin agreed, "I believe so, Elijah. I will join you on your trip to Sitio San Roque as your spiritual mentor. Just as many of the kings and prophets of the Bible have conquered lands for the Kingdom of God, so are we to join the fight against the evil that has infiltrated Miguel, his family, and his town. I believe this will be an ultimate spiritual battle."

"I agree, Pastor," said Dr. Earl, "I will also join you to be your health support. At the same time, I am conducting my research on manananggal biology, so it will be easier for me to gather the information I need. I am hopeful Miguel will be able to stay  alive in this case we are doing."

"Vincent and I will be with you as your guard," told Tommy, "If you need to go alone somewhere in your town, let us know so we can give you cover."

Miguel was moved in tears as he heard the messages of support from his new-found friends in the church.

"Thank you for everything," Miguel said in tears. "How could I repay you for helping me get through this ordeal?" 

There they settled themselves for prayer, with Pastor Kevin taking the lead.

"Father God, we pray to you as we go into this journey with our brother Miguel Mangubat. Protect us and guide us through this process of restoration of his soul, and we will overcome the evil that lies inside his body. Cover us with Your Son's most precious blood as we take on this challenge. Bless everyone present here who will join us for the trip. Thank You for everything, in the name of Your Son Jesus we pray. Amen."

Finally, they went their own ways, preparing for what is to come.